Hook And Loop Type Fastener Patents (Class 297/DIG6)
  • Patent number: 6164725
    Abstract: A bracket which is easily attached to the pre-existing backrest of a two wheeled vehicle for converting the passenger seat into an armchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Sheryl D. Janicek, Kelan J. Janicek, Thane J. Janicek
  • Patent number: 6149229
    Abstract: A storage device for attaching to a vehicle seat includes a storage member, a connecting member that removably couples to the frame of a vehicle seat, and an intermediate member that removably couples to the connecting member and the storage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: @Track Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dillon, Jr., John S. Buchan, Wyman C. Pierce
  • Patent number: 6116693
    Abstract: A removable seat cushion system for movable furniture includes a seat cushion generally in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a bottom surface, a rear top edge, and a front bottom edge. Attached to the seat cushion is a rear tab for securing the seat cushion to the frame, the rear tab extending from the seat cushion adjacent the rear top edge of the seat cushion, and having a free edge and a bottom surface. Also attached to the seat cushion is a front tab for securing the seat cushion to the frame, the front tab extending from the seat cushion adjacent the front bottom edge of the seat cushion, and having a free edge and a rear surface. Attached to the rear and front tabs are fasteners for securing the tabs to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: John Zammit
  • Patent number: 6086149
    Abstract: A light-weight snowmobile seat has a rigid base section for mounting on a snowmobile. The base section has a closed-cell structure with cell walls and cell voids such that the base section is substantially light-weight. The closed-cell structure also resists absorbing water, insulates the rider from heat generated by the snowmobile, and muffles noise created by the snowmobile. The snowmobile seat has a flexible seat section for providing a cushioned seat. A space defining an air chamber is formed between the seat section and the base section. An air passage extends from the air chamber to allow air to exit. The seat section displaces into the air chamber as the user sits on the seat expelling air out through the air passage. Thus, the air chamber provides additional cushioning, and air is drawn into the seat as the user stands and expelled as the user sits, thus cycling air to help keep the seat dry. The snowmobile seat also has a waterproof cover for covering the base section and seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: James Atherley
  • Patent number: 6086152
    Abstract: A portable, orthopedic support device suitable is employed for use with conventional out-door furniture such as beach or lounge chairs, and which is designed to provide support to the cervical and/or lumbar regions of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Louise A. Zeller
  • Patent number: 6082816
    Abstract: An under-seat storage device made of an expandable material which in a first embodiment comprises an accordian-shaped configuration. Other embodiments include Spandex rope or other mesh type fabrics having other expandable qualities. The material has a top portion having a plurality of VELCRO.RTM. strips clips, magnet(s), screws, bolts, adhesive, wing-nuts, etc. attached thereon, three side portions having accordion folded or other expandable surfaces and a front portion having an articulable flap which opens towards a bottom portion, and a VELCRO.RTM. (or other fastening material) strip in the center thereof. A plurality of VELCRO.RTM. strips are also located on the bottom of a folding seat such that the storage unit may be readily attached and/or detached from the bottom of the seat by pushing the VELCRO.RTM. strips together or pulling them apart. The storage unit may also include a smaller center container attached to the storage envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Jeremy Group
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Gottlieb, John Hoffman, Lester J. Rosensaft
  • Patent number: 6079784
    Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable back support pillow for vehicle seats, especially automobile seats, but can also be used on other seats. Other seat examples are aircraft seats, boat seats or common indoor/outdoor chairs for the home and office. The main components of the adjustable back support pillow are a pillow, lower attachment section and an upper attachment section. The adjustable back support pillow provides for easy attachment to seats, which allows easy portability between different seats. The adjustable back support pillow allows for easy adjustment of the pillow for proper back support of different users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: James L. Peachey
  • Patent number: 6068333
    Abstract: An improved bicycle seat designed to prevent damage to the rider's health by transferring the riders weight from the sub scrotal area to the sit bones. The bicycle seat includes a single piece seat rail, a forward pad, a fastener for securing the forward pad to the seat rail, a combination of fasteners for securing the dual support units to the seat rail, and dual support units each having a seat platform and a seat pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dixon
  • Patent number: 6042189
    Abstract: A restraint free wheelchair system is provided including a wheelchair having a pile fastener attached thereto. A piece of clothing is included with a pile fastener attached thereto for releasably securing to the pile fastener of the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Mary C. Wellman
  • Patent number: 6017094
    Abstract: A travel pillow for attachment to a shoulder harness seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Index Intergroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Syiek
  • Patent number: 6000345
    Abstract: A folding table for supporting a person includes an elongated tabletop comprising a pair of hinged halves. Four legs are pivotally attached to the comers of the tabletop. Four diagonal braces are each connected between the tabletop and a corresponding leg. Each diagonal brace comprises upper and lower members connected by an intermediate pivot. The legs at each end of the table are fixedly connected by a transverse brace. Four diagonal cables are each connected between the tabletop and the intermediate pivot of a corresponding diagonal brace. Four longitudinal cables are each connected between a corresponding intermediate pivot of a corresponding diagonal brace and an opposite leg. The cable arrangement provides improved rigidity and stability, and enables the legs to be folded while the tabletop is in a fully open position, so that the tabletop can be placed flat on the ground for some types of massages. The table can be fully folded by pivoting the two halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Gillotti
  • Patent number: 5984418
    Abstract: A size-adjustable wheelchair seat comprises a first size-adjustable frame member, a second size-adjustable frame member and a cross frame member. The first frame member extends generally in a longitudinal direction. The first frame member includes a first penetrating frame element and a first receiving frame element. An end of the first penetrating frame element is telescoped within an end of the first receiving frame element. The second frame member is spaced laterally from and extends generally parallel to the first frame member. The second frame member includes a second penetrating frame element and a second receiving frame element. An end of the second penetrating frame element is telescoped within an end of the second receiving frame element. The cross frame element extends between the first frame member and the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. McInturff
  • Patent number: 5979987
    Abstract: An automobile center armrest extension, connected to, and useful for extending the height of, the center console found at the midpoint of the front seats of some automobiles, which allows the right arm of the driver to rest more comfortably while driving. The center console of such automobiles is normally set close to the height of the seats, rather than to function as an armrest for the driver and passenger. This connection between the extension and the console cover is provided by either an adjustable clip, a Velcro fastener or straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Rich
  • Patent number: 5979983
    Abstract: The invention is a car seat with a feature to hold an abdominal shield and/or shoulder straps out of the way while a child enters or exits the seat. A shield, integrally formed with the shoulder straps, has a male element located thereon. A female element, located on the seatback surface of the car seat, forms the other part of the holding feature.To place a child into the seat, the shield and straps are pulled up and out of the body of the car seat. The shield is placed against the seatback surface of the car seat, such that the male element engages the female element. The shield and straps are thus held out of the way of an entering child. Once the child is suitably positioned in the car seat, the shield is pulled apart from the seatback surface of the car seat, disengaging the male element from the female element. The shield and straps may then be placed over the child's head and shoulders, and buckled in the normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: John Alexander Galbreath
  • Patent number: 5975638
    Abstract: A dual unit to gently and user adjustably support a user's head from slumping either too much forward or too much to either side while allowing proper air circulation for user comfort when the user is in an upright position with the unit releaseably held to a chair back is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin E. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5954402
    Abstract: A size-adjustable load supporting device comprising a load supporting top panel and a size-adjustable support frame. The support frame is adjustable laterally and longitudinally to fit a variety of wheelchairs and to accommodate different sized patients. The load supporting top panel is removably attached to the size-adjustable frame with VELCRO.RTM.. The support frame is comprised of four T-shaped components which are nestingly interfit with one another and slidable relative to one another to form a generally square support frame. With the top panel removed, the length and width of the support frame can be quickly adjusted by sliding the T-shaped components relative to one another to vary the amount of nesting. Once the support frame is adjusted to the desired size, the top panel is reattached, thereby securing the support frame. Four J-shaped brackets are provided, two on each side, to allow the device to be easily mounted on a standard wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. McInturff
  • Patent number: 5944380
    Abstract: A light-weight vehicle seat, particularly well suited for snowmobiles, has a rigid base section for mounting on a vehicle. The base section has a closed-cell structure with cell walls and cell voids such that the base section is substantially light-weight. The closed-cell structure also resists absorbing water, insulates the rider from heat generated by the vehicle, and muffles noise created by the vehicle. The vehicle seat has a flexible seat section for providing a cushioned seat. The vehicle seat also has a waterproof cover for covering the base section and seat section. The vehicle seat is preferably attached to the vehicle with hook-and-loop type fasteners. A utility cavity is formed in the seat. Alternatively, the seat section may be removably disposed on the base section and seat sections of various flexibility provided to suit the weight of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: James Atherley
  • Patent number: 5941599
    Abstract: An infant and child chair which includes a body typically shaped in the configuration of an animal or character having a head which acts as a pillow and typically seated on a weighted base. The body may incorporate an infant pouch seat and a storage compartment for toys and books. The infant and child chair of this invention further includes a body frame for supporting bendable appendages or arms, as well as legs, that may be shaped and positioned to embrace an infant or child sitting in the chair, or to define arm rests. The chair body is typically filled with a particulate material such as STYROFOAM (polystyrene) beads or like pellets to facilitate conformity to a seated child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Sheri K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5934749
    Abstract: A seat for use in an emergency vehicle includes a base portion and a seat back extending up from the base portion. The seat back includes a pair of vertical cushions spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of a central recess that houses a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). A lower end of each vertical cushion includes a removable insert and an upper end includes a retaining tab adapted to retain a shoulder strap of the SCBA. The base of the seat includes portions of reduced width along opposite edges of the base to provide clearance for a seat belt or seat tether. Attached to the seat back is a headrest frame having a curved top handle portion that facilitates inserting the SCBA into the recess, provides clearance for removal of the SCBA, and provides added structural stability to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Pond, Eric Sauey
  • Patent number: 5915789
    Abstract: A flexible and adjustable harness used by drivers of cranes and earth moving equipment is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, the flexible and adjustable harness is used when it is necessary for a driver of a crane or an earth moving equipment to lean over to view objects such as loads and obstacles directly below his or her seat. The flexible and adjustable harness includes a flexible slip-on portion that easily slips onto the driver seat. The harness also includes a flexible right wrap and a flexible left wrap which enclose the driver's abdominal and chest areas and bear the weight of the driver when he or she leans over to view loads or obstacles under his or her seat. The flexible and adjustable harness also comprises left and right wrap elastic safety bands that add to the protection and safety provided by the left and right wraps. The flexible and adjustable harness further includes back side left and right safety bands to safely secure the harness' slip-on portion to the driver seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Francisco Ponce De Leon, III
  • Patent number: 5890761
    Abstract: A pew including a bench. At least two discrete seating portions are removably positioned on the bench. Each of the seating portions has a predetermined width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Virgil Miller
  • Patent number: 5890769
    Abstract: A new child restraining harness for restraining a child sitting on a chair. The inventive device includes an elongate flexible belt strap. A flexible crotch strap is coupled to the belt strap. Each of the ends of the belt strap is insertable into a loop space of a looped portion at the other end of the crotch strap. A pair of elongate flexible securing straps are coupled to the back region of the belt strap. A generally rectangular securing pad is provided for securing to a seat of a chair structure. The securing pad is detachably attachable to a bottom region of the crotch strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Juanita F. Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 5890760
    Abstract: A bicycle seat cushion that has a relatively thick, main cushioning base with a foam material interior and a protective outer cover. The base has a narrow, pentagonal arrow shape when viewed from the top with the pointed portion at the front. The cushion includes a secondary cushioning base carrying a pair of spaced apart, relatively thin, firm, cushioning pads. The secondary base is detachably connected to the bottom of the main base. The position of the secondary base is adjustable longitudinally relative to the main base. The main base cushions the rider's buttocks while the two cushioning pads provide additional cushioning for the rider's pelvic bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Brigitte Kirstein
  • Patent number: 5882072
    Abstract: A passenger seat for reducing head impact in sudden impact events in an aircraft includes a panel for absorbing head impact. The panel is detachably fastened to the rear surface of a seat back so that the seat back will break free of the panel and be thrown forward while the panel will remain in an upright position. The panel is preferably made of a low mass material to absorb momentum of the head of a passenger seated behind it. The panel can be fashioned as a "dummy" seat back, detachably fastened to a seat back by hook and loop fasteners. It can be fabricated to aesthetically blend with the styling of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Wade T. Morlock
  • Patent number: 5868471
    Abstract: A headrest includes a cushion attached to the front of a rigid back. A pair of arms slidably extend from the sides of the rigid back. The ends of the arms are pivotable to an orthogonal portion for clamping to a seatback. The hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the inner side of each end of the arm for grabbing the looped fabric on the seatback. A pair of keyhole-shaped sockets are arranged on opposite ends of the rigid back. An arm is inserted into one of the sockets, and a side bolster is pivotally attached to the arm. The cushion supports a head in a neutral position without requiring the user to lean back, and the side bolster restrains the head from falling to one side. The angle of the side bolster is adjustable for conforming to a leaning head. In a second embodiment, the headrest includes a cushion removably positioned in a recess on a housing. A cylindrical rod extending from a side bolster is inserted into one of a plurality of holes arranged on opposite ends of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Benny Graham
    Inventors: Benny Graham, Kenneth Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5850645
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a seat wherein a surface material of the seat is not crumpled by sliding the surface material on a cushioning body thereof and while a person can sit comfortably in the seat, the seat has adequate hardness such that the weight of the person can be supported. A seat (1) comprises a surface material (2) and a cushioning body (6, 12) covered with the surface material. The cushioning body has a shape corresponding to an outline of the seat and is structured of a first cushioning body (6) as an upper layer and a second cushioning body (12) as a lower layer. The first cushioning body is intergral with at least a part of a back surface of the surface material and is connected with the second cushioning body. The first cushioning body has a contact surface (10) corresponding to the shape of a contact surface (13) of the second cushioning body. The first and second cushioning bodies have fasteners (11a, 11b, 14a, 14b), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventors: Taro Ogawa, Fumio Goto
  • Patent number: 5829834
    Abstract: A booster seat is designed that effectively integrates the shoulder belt of an automobile into the structure of the booster seat. The integration is accomplished by headrests, which are detachable at their lower end. The headrests are held to the booster body by adhesive or mating hook and loop pads. Each headrest is detachable from its respective mating adhesive pad affixed to the body of the booster, thus opening a space for an automobile seatbelt to be draped over the child sitting in the booster seat. The headrest is reattached to the body of the booster seat via the hook and loop pad, thus capturing the seatbelt between the headrest and the body of the booster seat. The belt is free to advance and retract within this integrated design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Downunder Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew H. Silverman
  • Patent number: 5816662
    Abstract: An over-the-shoulder safety harness is used in combination with a chair having a back and a bottom. An elongated safety harness attachment member is located on a back side of the chair back and extends from one side of the back to the other side of the back. The safety harness includes first and second shoulder straps adapted for extending over the shoulders of the occupant. The shoulder straps have respective first and second ends. The first ends are secured to the attachment member for slidably adjustable movement along the length of the attachment member. The first and second shoulder straps define a laterally-extending occupant space therebetween. The occupant space is adjustable by sliding the first ends of the shoulder straps along the length of the attachment member. The occupant space is reduced to further restrain the occupant by sliding the straps towards each other and is increased to remove the occupant from the chair by sliding the straps away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Tina M. Rumburg
  • Patent number: 5803539
    Abstract: An auto seat cover (14 or 16) comprising a cover portion (18 or 20) having first and second ends interconnected by side edges with an end portion (22 or 24) extending about the first end and first (26 or 28) and second (30 or 32) side portions extending along the side edges of the cover portion (18 or 20). A strap means interconnects the second end of the cover portion (18 or 20) and the side portions (26 or 28, 30 or 32) for retaining the seat cover (14 or 16) in place on an auto seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Sagaz Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam D. Dewar, Joseph Kavana, Randolph J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5797655
    Abstract: An adjustable arm rest device for chairs includes a lower arm rest, an upper arm rest connected to the lower arm rest by an intermediate member and adjustable to a selected angular orientation relative to the arm rest, at least one fastener for removably securing the first and second portions to a frame of the chair in the selected angular orientation, and a leg for supporting the arm rest on a surface. The arm rest device is readily attachable to the frames of chairs, and is adjustable for use with adjustable chairs such as lounge chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Ralph Miles
  • Patent number: 5785381
    Abstract: A seat protector (10) for a driver's eat (12) in a motor vehicle (14) comprising a flexible sheet (16) to fit against a lower portion of a backrest (18) of the driver's seat (12) in the motor vehicle (14). A structure (20) is for installing and adjusting the flexible sheet (16) against the lower portion of the backrest (18) of the driver's seat (12), so as to protect the backrest (18) from excessive use and wear by a person (22) wearing a utility belt (24) with specialized equipment (26) sitting in the driver's seat (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Delcher Carter
  • Patent number: 5785388
    Abstract: A seat belt pillow having a web and two arms of uniform thickness in a non-compressed state, each of the arms having an external surface with a pair of spaced attachment zones for insertion of a vehicle seat belt therebetween, and at least one attachment patch for attachment to the respective zones on an associated arm, whereby the spaced attachment zone and the attachment patch provide a passage for a vehicle seat belt to move freely through the passage relative to the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Phillip Curtis
  • Patent number: 5746477
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching upholstery to an article of furniture. The article of furniture includes a shell, such as a seat shell or a back shell, having an inner and outer surface. A molded lip extends longitudinally around the outer perimeter of the shell and a tongue extends laterally from the inner surface of the shell, just inside the molded lip. A first fastener strip, such as a hook fastener, is applied to the tongue so that it is facing the outer perimeter of the shell. A second fastener strip, such as a loop fastener, is attached to an outer hem of the upholstery. As a result, the first and second fastener strips can engage, thereby attaching the upholstery to the article of furniture. In addition, a cushion may be secured between the shell and the upholstery when the first and second fastener strips are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: O'Sullivan Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Saul
  • Patent number: 5735576
    Abstract: A head support which grows with the child from small infant to advanced toddler. A soft body structure has a central portion comprising an upper, intermediate and lower section and a pair of flanking padded wing portions secured to the upper central portion and having a fold seam at the junction with the upper central portion. The intermediate central portion has a pair of flanking tab portions each provided with a fastener strip, and the lower central portion terminates in a pair of leg portions separated by a gap. The upper side edges of the lower central portion are provided with a plurality of fastener strips. A plurality of fastener tabs are attached to the lower edge of each wing portion in order to provide adjustment in three dimensions of the relative attitudes of the wing portions in the central body portion. The support can be used in a folded attitude or an upstanding attitude, depending on the size of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Noel Joanna, Inc.
    Inventors: Shirley Pepys, Debra L. Dunne
  • Patent number: 5735578
    Abstract: A passenger seat with a quick replacement seat bottom diaphragm, comprising a seat frame assembly, including legs for securing the seat to a deck of a vehicle, and a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame carried by the legs in vertically-spaced relation to the deck. The seat bottom frame includes first and second laterally-spaced seat bottom frame members extending from the seat back forward to a position adjacent the knee area of a seat occupant. A seat bottom diaphragm assembly is provided for attachment to the seat bottom frame for supporting a seat bottom cushion. The seat bottom diaphragm assembly comprises fore and aft brackets carried by each of the first and second seat bottom frame members, and fore and aft diaphragm stretcher bars extending laterally across the seat bottom for being locked into the fore and aft brackets of the first and second seat bottom frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Burns Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: James Randall Penley
  • Patent number: 5722717
    Abstract: A portable seat includes a storage compartment located beneath a seat cover of the seat. The seat cover of the seat normally extends between the legs of the seat to provide a seat surface. The seat cover, however, can be moved from this position to expose an access opening into the storage compartment. A user of the seat thus can access the storage compartment from the top side of the seat, easing access to the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Randy C. Rettenberger
  • Patent number: 5720520
    Abstract: A detachable infant seat includes a flat base board with a central aperture formed therethrough and a flexible fabric seat attached to the perimeter of the aperture and projecting downwardly therethrough to support an infant. The base board has an upright wall extending along the opposing side edges and the rearward edge of the board, and a back board pivotally connected to the rearward wall of the base board. The back board includes a pair of operable brackets connected between the back board and the base board to selectively retain the back board in an open position extending from the base board and generally parallel thereto, an upright position orthogonal to the base board, or a closed position pivoted over the top and proximal to the base board. A pair of straps are attached to the base board and extend around the arms of a wheelchair and are fastened to the base board, in order to detachably mount the base board to the arms of a wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Michaele L. Bengtson, Kristin B. Broyhill, Stephanie J. Moulton, Eric S. Pfeifer, Stefanie N. Spirk, Tyler J. Todd
  • Patent number: 5685613
    Abstract: An orthopedic pillow for helping to correct and helping to prevent hyperkyphosis and rigidity of the thoracic spine and for returning the normal lordotic cervical curve comprises a base panel having a first end portion, a second end portion, a left top surface segment extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a right top surface segment extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, a first crown for supporting the thoracic spine, the first crown being formed on the first end portion of the base panel, extending toward the second end portion of the base panel, and dividing at least partially the left top surface segment from the right top surface segment, and a transition ramp formed in the first end portion of the first crown for supporting the spine just under and below the shoulder blades of a reclining person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Paul W. Franzen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5678887
    Abstract: A booster seat for use by children in a vehicle includes structure to position the shoulder portion of the seat belt at an appropriate position in relation to the child occupant. The belt is secured on lateral elements located on the sides of the seat back by a strap or a sleeve, which is fitted with hook and loop fasteners. The belt is slidably engaged and may be continuously and selectively positioned at the desired height for proper functioning of the belt. To prevent interference with the positioning device by the child occupying the seat, the strap may extend and be fixed to the upper surface of the lateral elements so that the end of the strap is above and behind the child's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Stephen Sher
  • Patent number: 5676426
    Abstract: A safety harness comprising a waist strap for placement around the waist of a child, right and left shoulder straps for placement over corresponding shoulders of the child and for crossing each other over the chest of the child, and an anchor strap with distal fastening elements for securing the harness to restrain the child. Each shoulder strap has a proximate end fixedly secured to the waist strap in spaced relation to the proximate end of the other shoulder strap, and a distal end with a securing loop adapted to be received on and to slide along a corresponding attachment section of the waist strap. The attachment sections have cooperative facings of hook and loop materials on opposite sides of the waist strap adjacent to front free ends such that overlapping and pressing the attachment sections together while the securing loops are received thereon releasably joins together the free ends to form a continuous waist strap with the shoulder straps connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Vel-Tye, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steven J. Herring
  • Patent number: 5664844
    Abstract: A harness safety system for securing a child or mentally or physically impaired adult to a shopping cart seat or basket, stroller, high chair, child sporting seat, wheelchair, or similar seating devices in order to safely and reliably keep the child or mentally or physically impaired adult in a seated position. The harness of the safety system includes an improved chest strap design, front and rear shoulder straps, sliding yoke assembly, and a pair of attachment rings. The safety system further comprises a pair of side restraining assemblies having means for adjustment and for safely and reliably securing the harness to an element of a shopping cart seat or basket, stroller, high chair, child sporting seat, or similar seating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Petite Peche Ltd.
    Inventor: Ginette L. Greene
  • Patent number: 5660445
    Abstract: A restraint harness is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a vehicle. The harness is particularly well adapted for transporting a passenger who is in a supine or prone position. The harness has a pair of lateral torso straps adapted to be placed around the torso of the passenger and fastened together. A pair of shoulder straps extend over the shoulders and intersect with the torso straps. A pair of thigh straps extend from one of the torso straps and encompass the passengers thighs. A leg strap encompass the passenger's legs. Existing vehicle seat belts fasten to the torso straps and the to the leg strap to secure the passenger to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: E-Z-ON Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Connie Murray
  • Patent number: 5642917
    Abstract: A device for use in sizing a highchair to a child. This device comprises a back, two side and bottom panel in lightweight form which is removably fastened for assembly/disassembly quickly and easily to a highchair/feeding chair. All the panels are interchangeable with the same panels in various widths for continuous proper fit as the child grows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Debra Ann Geiger
  • Patent number: 5636900
    Abstract: The adjustable seating system includes a seat and a stand for people with disabilities. The seat has a base with two side panels and a back positioned adjacent the seat base. The seat back has first and second opposing thorasic supports. The seat base also includes a base extension which may be fitted into the seat base. The seating system may also include a foot support which maybe attached to the seat base extension. The seating system also includes an adjustable stand. In operation, the base extension may be attached to the seat by aligning the seat and the base extension and inserting pins which join the base extension and seat. Optionally, the seating system may have a back extension releasably attached to the seat back. The seating system may also have a cushion system to provide comfort and support to the user as well as in providing assistance positioning and posturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Gillette Children's Hospital
    Inventors: David C. Wilkie, Wayne Rydberg, Bruce Tew, Rob Meyer, John Spielman
  • Patent number: 5632053
    Abstract: An aircraft seat cushion comprises a foamed plastic supporting body consisting of a lower supporting part, an upper sitting part, the lower sitting part being detachable from the supper surface of the supporting part, and a detachable flameproofing layer covering the upper surface of the sitting part and the edges of the sitting and supporting parts, and a flameproof layer covering the entire lower surface of the supporting part so that the cushion is encapsulated in the flameproof layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: C.A. Greiner & Sohne Gesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventors: Rudolf Weingartner, Johann Moseneder
  • Patent number: 5620227
    Abstract: A vest garment with pivotable seat member is provided. The seat member is connected to the interior aspect of the dorsal member of the vest garment and is pivotable between positions for use and for stowing away. Straps support the seat member from the vest to create an effective chair when the seat member is lowered for use, and the straps are adjustable so that the angular orientation of the seat member with respect to the vest can be adjusted for comfort to the user. When not in use, the seat member is swung back inside the vest and stowed against the dorsal member. The dorsal portion of the vest fabric and the seat member are reinforced with rigid edges for seating comfort and structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Paul W. Brune
  • Patent number: 5620234
    Abstract: The present device relates to a seat belt cushion that includes a cushion comprising a foam like interior which is permanently encased by a cushion face. In the preferred embodiment, VELCRO.TM. fastening elements enable the device to be secured to a seat belt by means a VELCRO.TM. backing secured to the length of the seat belt. The seat belt cushion, therefore, can be attached anywhere along the length of the seat belt. Once secured, the seat belt cushion may be slid along the length of the seat belt in order to adjust to fit an individual of any height, weight, gender or other physical characteristics. The seat belt cushion is manufactured in a variety of lengths, widths and degrees of thickness to accommodate the demands of the particular user. Moreover, the seat belt user can be utilized in conjunction with the seat belts of automobiles, trucks, buses and airplanes. Protracted sides on either distal end of the cushion prevent the entire seat belt from contacting the user's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Judy W. Gunby
  • Patent number: 5615928
    Abstract: A seat back diaphragm with a quick replacement bolster for a vehicle passenger seat which comprises a seat back diaphragm formed of a tubular fabric panel for being placed over a seat back frame of the seat, and a pair of seat back bolsters for being positioned overlying the seat back frame. The bolster includes a long zipper for releasably attaching the bolster to the diaphragm and quickly detaching the bolster from the diaphragm for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Burns Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Penley
  • Patent number: 5613256
    Abstract: An adjustable seat cushion system which is particularly suited for wheelchair applications is disclosed (e.g., used over a conventional wheelchair seat). The system generally includes a central cushion assembly which includes a base with a pad positioned thereon. One generally elongated side cushion is disposed on each of the two sides of the central cushion assembly and is movably interconnected with the central cushion assembly. The position of each of the side cushions may be adjusted relative to the central cushion assembly and be substantially retained within the adjusted position. Changing the position of the side cushions may be utilized to adapt the seat cushion system to the anatomical characteristics of a variety of different users and/or to provide different support objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Chris A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5611597
    Abstract: A child seat securing apparatus for securing the child seat to an object, such as a shopping cart or household chair. The apparatus comprises a strap having a fastener on each end for attaching the strap to the object. The child seat is placed on the object, and the fasteners are attached to the object such that the strap crosses over the child seat, thereby securing the child seat to the object. The apparatus may alternatively comprise a child seat having at least two straps affixed to it, whereby the straps have fasteners on their free ends that attach to the object and secure the child seat to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Brett E. Lanz